Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4109

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Abstract

The geohydrology and susceptibility of the seven major aquifers to surface contamination in Area 7 - Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox Counties, are described. Aquifers in the northern part of the study area are in Paleozoic limestones and dolomite formations. Deposits in the central part of the study area are predominately of Cretaceous age and contain the Coker, Gordo, and Eutaw aquifers. Although the southern part of the study area has many deposits of Tertiary age, the Ripley Formation of Cretaceous age is the major aquifer. Contamination of any of the major aquifers is improbable because the majority of the recharge area for the primary aquifers is woodland, pasture, or farmland. Downdip from their outcrops, the major aquifers in the study area are protected from land surface contamination by relatively impermeable layers of clay and chalk. The aquifers that are highly susceptible to contamination are the ones in the limestone and dolomite formations in northern Bibb County. Sinkholes exist in the recharge area of these formations and could provide a direct link for contaminates from the land surface to the water table. An area northeast of the Selma well field is also highly susceptible to contamination. The Eutaw Formation in this area is overlain by alluvial deposits that could increase recharge to the aquifer by slowing the runoff rate of surface water. (USGS)

Additional Publication Details

Publication type:

Report

Publication Subtype:

USGS Numbered Series

Title:

Geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to surface contamination in Alabama, area 7

Series title:

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Series number:

87-4109

Edition:

-

Year Published:

1987

Language:

ENGLISH

Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey,

Description:

v, 28 p. :ill., maps (some col.) ;28 cm.

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